PARLIAMENT QUESTION: RE-ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY OF ATOMIC PLANTS

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: RE-ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY OF ATOMIC PLANTS

Re-assessment of safety is undertaken following any major incident relevant to nuclear safety anywhere in the world to examine the need for any further strengthening of the safety features. Subsequent to the earthquake of magnitude 9.0 on Richter Scale in Japan (great east Japan earthquake) followed by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in the year 2011, such re-assessments were carried out independently by AERB for Indian NPPs for establishing capabilities and margins for coping with severe natural events, such as earthquakes, floods and their possible effects. The above safety assessments and the safety measures undertaken, are also applicable to the recent earthquake of 8.6 on Richter Scale that hit Russia and Japan. There was no impact of the mentioned earthquake on the Indian nuclear power plants. However, periodic safety assessments in line with regulatory guidelines are carried out.

Nuclear power plants in coastal areas are designed taking into account the technical parameters related to earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, floods etc. at each site. Regular monitoring, periodic multi-tier reviews and upgrades (if required) are also undertaken to enhance their safety. The structures, systems and components of safety systems are designed to withstand and function efficiently in extreme events and are qualified for the same. Further, standard operating procedures are in place for such events and the personnel are periodically trained on actions to be taken during such extreme scenarios.

The Kudankulam site comprises of six nuclear power reactors of 1000 MW capacity each, totaling to 6000 MW. Of this, two reactors (KKNPP-1&2, 2X1000 MW) are presently in operation while four reactors (KKNPP-3 to 6, 4 x 1000 MW) are under various stages of construction/ commissioning.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.